Friday, April 13, 2007

In his book The Best is Yet to Be, Henry Durbanville told the story of a man who lay dying and was fearful, even though he was a born-again Christian. He expressed his feelings to his Christian doctor. The physician was silent, not knowing what to say. Just then a whining and scratching was heard at the door. When the doctor opened it, in bounded his big, beautiful dog, who often went with him as he made house calls. The dog was glad to see his master. Sensing an opportunity to comfort his troubled patient, the doctor said, "My dog has never been in your room before, and he didn't know what it was like in here. But he knew I was here, and that was enough. In the same way, I'm looking forward to heaven. I don't know much about it, but I know my Savior is there. And that's all I need to know!"

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you,not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:28-30This is a sobering warning that Paul delivered to the Ephesian elders. He cautioned them to beon guard for grievous wolves (false teachers and prophets) which would enter the church from the outside and would wreak havoc among them without regard to the well being of the flock. He had spoken on other occasions of the teachers of false doctrine; even calling them enemies of the cross. (see Phil.3:18; Gal.1:7) The ages since that time have proven the prophecy of Paul to be true in this regard. Many cults and religious organizations of every ilk masquerade themselves as the true church of GOD. So many false teachers have arisen in the course of time that it is very difficult to find the purity of sound doctrine which is not mixed with the error of man’s tradition and ideas. Deception abounds. Discernment of spiritual truth is seemingly non-existent amongmultitudes claiming to be the followers of JESUS CHRIST. (II Pet. 2:1-3; Mat.24:11; I Cor.2:14)

While the prediction which Paul spoke concerning the “grievous wolves” has obviously come topass, it is the second part of his prophecy which we see as an even more insidious anddangerous reality. He said that “of your own selves” (i.e.; the Ephesian elders) would come somewho spoke “perverse” (i.e.; wicked, twisted) doctrines designed to attract followers. Now we arequite certain that the LORD himself told HIS disciples (the twelve, minus Judas) to go forthpreaching the gospel and teaching (discipling) men to follow the way of CHRIST. From thatcommission we can infer that we too are to proclaim the gospel of CHRIST to sinners. Yet nowhere are we taught to try to attract followers by any other method than the simple lifting of HIM up in that gospel message. And even then our only desire is that they follow CHRIST.

To say that we are inundated by those who seek to “draw away disciples” would be to understate what we see happening around us. Many eloquent and forceful “preachers” (of this and that doctrine) have arisen who are convinced that their mission in life is to gain a following. We do not criticize their zeal nor their earnestness in this endeavor. Many of them are tireless in their efforts. Bright and educated in the ways of psychology and entertainment they ply their trade tirelessly and effectively. The more shameless of them resort to manipulation and “miracle” working to impress the masses. The greatest among them even write books and conduct seminars to teach others how to duplicate their efforts and help others produce the same results. The measure of “success” in these endeavors is always seen in the great numbers of disciples that are generated. If one dares to question all of this he is most usually labeled as someone who is unconcerned forthe salvation of sinners; as if these methods could produce such a thing.

One of the identifying marks of all of these “ministries” is that they are always asking for andconcerned about “money”. Their books and seminars all come at a price. They demand to beremunerated for their efforts. Somehow I cannot envision the apostle Paul charging a fee for hisservices. In fact he went to great lengths to avoid being chargeable to any man. (see I Thes.2:9)Somewhere along the line the “preaching of the gospel” has become a career opportunity. Paul’splain statements that those who are ministered to ought to value the time and effort of those who minister the word and doctrine to them, has been morphed into men collecting salaries andunashamedly charging for that which they must do. (see I Cor.9:16) Some even flaunt the“wealth” they gain in milking the sheep. They show off their affluence under the guise ofdemonstrating what can be expected if one is “faithful”. The “tithe” is presented as an investment opportunity wherein men are promised wealth in return for “sowing” to these “ministries”. There will be great judgment on those who “preach” the gospel for gain; whether it be for filthy lucre or for “followers”. Brethren, we’d better be preaching simply for the glory of CHRIST or that which we will produce is nothing more than wood, hay, and stubble. (see I Cor.3:11-15; II Tim.3:1-9)

Another identifying mark of such “ministries” is that they place a great deal of importance onmaking their message and “program” appealing to the masses. When I am exposed to most socalled “contemporary worship”, entertainment comes to mind. Everything is geared to makingmen, women, and children comfortable; from elegant and auspicious buildings to family activities and sports programs. They want to ensure that people will want to come and keep coming based on an appeal to the flesh. The only people to whom the gospel will ever appeal are those who have been convinced and convicted by the HOLY SPIRIT of the fact that they are unworthy sinners who deserve destruction. (see I Cor.1:18) The church is not a place for the masses to gather and be amused and comforted but is a place where GOD’s people meet to worship HIM as a body of believers, in SPIRIT and truth and to be built up in the most holy faith.

The LORD JESUS said that if HE was lifted up HE would draw men to HIMSELF. HE has givenus the privilege of proclaiming the gospel of the glory of GOD in the earth. We seek no followersnor disciples. Yet we delight to see men and women embrace the truth of that gospel. We judgenot the “success” of our endeavors by any “converts” that may or may not be produced in thepreaching of it, but only in hearing our LORD and MASTER say “well done thou good and faithful servant.”

Sunday, April 01, 2007

The greatest thing in this life, besides serving God, is family. I treasure my family of three sons, one daughter, and now as of March 3, 2007, twelve grandchildren. Of course, my oldest son, Chuck, as many of you know, passed away on February 13, 2004. There is also extended family which we are able to gather sometimes at Thanksgiving, birthdays and Christmas. The attached photo is most of my family gathered on November 25, 2004 for Thanksgiving. It is hard to get this many to be still for a picture but it is the only one I found in my collection with all the grandchildren (except the new one, Melody. For her see in March section).

I know it comes out on the blog smaller that I would like, but you get the idea. My three remaining children and spouses are in it, as well as Sandra and I, and her mother. I won't try to point them all out as the twelve grandchildren range from Timothy, age 16, to Caroline, age 4, and of course, Melody, mentioned before. In a day when even supposedly compassionate medical people are saying "abort the babies"and "Don't have over one child"; we still see in Holy Scripture the following words: "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward" (Psalm 127:3). I praise God for my family

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"He must increase, I must decrease" (John 3:30). My name is Charles Woodruff. I am 74 years old, and my desire is to serve God the rest of my days, preaching the old evangelical gospel that Paul and Peter preached, that Calvin preached, that Whitefield preached, that Spurgeon preached, and that Isaac Watts wrote about in his hymns. You are welcome! I hope you like our blogs.Your comments are also welcome. Please feel free to comment.

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